That's about right. I remember in about 1997, some analysts were comparing him to Jordan and they were saying that he was on the verge of being like him. Though Houston had some really great performances, he never got anywhere near the level of Jordan. He has been dropping off for a few years now and definately didn't finish at his best

While Shaq has said he'll bring a championship to Miami, and Kobe's been crying for years, and Baron's predicting 50 wins for Golden State... while all these players talk, people begin to listen in. If someone opens their mouth, they get a lot of attention.

Meanwhile, Allan Houston just sat quietly back and went to the Eastern Conference Finals, but ultimately ended losing against Michael Jordan (I swear, that man has robbed a lot of good men out of a championship rings over the years).

Houston was a damn fine professional player. Always had a good attitude, always on time to practice, and (before these injuries ended his career) a regular during the season (and the playoffs). In a time where Ray Allen was on the Bucks making dunk-posters, Houston was one of the league's fiercest shooters (but I'd still rank him behind Reggie Miller). He was a great player that, until he got paid accordingly, nobody paid attention to.

Patrick Ewing was the poster boy, Larry Johnson was the mouth, Charles Oakley was the big, bad mean power forward, and John Starks was the emotional 6th man who's career started in the CBA... Charlie Ward had drama, Chris Childs had drama, and we all remember LJ's brawl... but in the background of the whole Knicks organization was one consumate professional practicing his jump shot when nobody was looking. Allan Houston will be missed in this league. Players like him are rare enough, but people like him are one in 500,000. Like Isaiah said, the only man more humble and professional than Allan was eagle-scout, Navy boy David Robinson. Allan Houston wont necessarily be missed as a player... but moreso as a person.

If Spurs lost Tim Duncan and Ginobli to major injuries this season and had playoff hopes threatened, Van Exel would throw a hissy fit. I know that situation is unlikely, but thats the kind of cry baby Nick Van Exel is. He's a child.